metaphorical Definition

metaphor
noun

1. An expression in which the person, action or thing referred to is described as if it really were what it merely resembles, eg a rejection described as ‘a slap in the face', or a ferocious person as ‘a tiger'. See also figure of speech, mixed metaphor.

Thesaurus: comparison, trope, simile, analogy, figure of speech.
2. Such expressions in general.

Derivative: metaphorical
adj

Of, involving or using metaphor
Thesaurus: symbolic, figurative, allegorical, emblematic.

Derivative: metaphorically
adverb

Etymology: 16c: from Greek metaphora, from meta- + pherein to carry.